Insensitive hexogen explosive

ABSTRACT

By virtue of at least 5% of octogen in relation to the hexogen explosive, insensitive behaviour is achieved in relation to high thermal loadings (Fast Cook Off).

[0001] The invention relates to a hexogen explosive as set forth in theclassifying portion of claim 1.

[0002] An explosive of that kind is to be found in DE 37 39 191 Al.Described therein is a castable explosive with a plastic binder.

[0003] The conditions in terms of the required insensitivity aredescribed in accordance with the technical delivery condition of the“Bundesamt für Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung” (“Federal Office for DefenceTechnology and Procurement”) in Germany, TL 1376-0800. In accordancetherewith an explosive which is enclosed in a receptacle such as amissile body is not to tear open the receptacle in the event ofbombardment or a thermal effect thereon. The maximum reaction admittedis only for it to burn away, in which case a cylindrical container mustremain whole but the bottom may rip open.

[0004] Accordingly the object of the present invention is to propose a15 hexogen explosive which satisfies the above-indicated condition.

[0005] The invention attains that object in accordance with thecharacterising features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of theinvention are to be found in the appendant claims.

[0006] In accordance with the invention the explosive becomessurprisingly more insensitive but more powerful.

[0007] In accordance with the invention hexogen type B can be used asthe explosive. This is inexpensive and environmentally friendly.

[0008] The proportion of octogen in the hexogen type B of at least 5% inrelation to the explosive provides that the explosive charge disposed ina receptacle does not progressively burn away after it is ignited. Thecylinder remains substantially intact. Only weak points such as closurecaps come away. No air shockwave is formed.

[0009] The operative mechanism of the invention is based on a change inphase of the octogen, from a temperature of 167° C. As a result there isan abrupt increase in volume which takes effect at intendeddesired-rupture locations or separation locations.

[0010] The invention can be used in relation to explosives with purehexogen type A and insensitive hexogen types (iRDX). Through an additionof at least 5% of octogen, there is maintained a thermal insensitivityof also other mixtures of explosives, which already possess adequateshockwaves; where the exceptions are mixtures of explosives whichcontain TNT in an unbonded condition. Likewise for the variousproduction processes for explosives, namely the explosives producedusing the slurry or the solvent processes. The field of applicationembraces both cast explosive charges and also pressed explosive charges.

[0011] The invention is particularly suitable for pressed insensitiveexplosive mixtures in which coarse-grain and fine-grain explosivecrystals 15 are bound by a binder system comprising a plasticiser suchas DOA and HYTEMP®, see in that respect the patent application filed onthe same day, bearing the filing number ______.

[0012] The action according to the invention already occurs with aproportion of octogen of 5%, in which respect the proportion can extendto 100%.

[0013] DOA Acycl. dicarboxylic acid ester

[0014] HYTEMP® registered trademark of ZEON Chemicals L.P., 4100 BellsLane, Louisville, Ky. 40211.

1. An insensitive hexogen explosive characterised in that the explosive contains at least 5% of octogen.
 2. A hexogen explosive according to claim 1 characterised in that the explosive is produced by a slurry process or a solvent mix process. 